The Journey of Anthony Edwards: From Doubt to Stardom
Anthony Edwards, the rising star of the Minnesota Timberwolves, has solidified his place as one of the most exciting players in the NBA. Now in his fifth season, he has proven himself to be an impactful force on the court. However, his journey to success wasn’t always clear-cut.
Back in 2020, as Edwards prepared for the NBA draft, perceptions of his talent were still forming. Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr initially had his doubts about Edwards during his pre-draft workout, and this encounter would leave a lasting impression on the young guard.
During a crucial workout, Kerr openly challenged Edwards’ commitment and abilities. "Before he came, I thought I was working hard," Edwards recalled in a news conference leading up to a recent playoff game. "He kept stopping me, asking, ‘That’s all you’ve got?’" At that moment, Edwards felt he was giving his all. Yet, Kerr pushed him to recognize the work ethic of other stars in the league, like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.
The interaction did not end there. Later that evening, Edwards joined a group that included Kerr and former Warriors general manager Bob Myers for dinner. To his surprise, he was told bluntly, "If we had the No. 1 pick, we wouldn’t take you." This feedback, while tough to hear, was not taken personally by Edwards. Instead, it ignited a fire within him.
Reflecting on that night, Edwards said, “Me and my trainer were talking, thinking, ‘We’ve got to pick it up.’” He decided then to immerse himself in training with newfound intensity. “After that, I became a mad man in the gym. I tried to work until I was exhausted,” he explained.
Kerr also shared his perspective on the encounter. He described his initial impression of Edwards during the workout as lackluster. "After watching him shoot for 15 minutes, I wondered when the real workout would start," Kerr recounted. It prompted him to ask for more from Edwards, which came as a surprise to many involved.
The dinner conversation also highlighted the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving greatness. Kerr and Myers shared stories of the relentless efforts of stars like Curry and Durant, captivating Edwards and planting the seeds of motivation within him.
When Edwards later participated in a follow-up workout, both Kerr and the Warriors were impressed by the transformation. "At that point, we were sure," Kerr noted, acknowledging Edwards’ explosive talent and charisma.
Ultimately, Edwards was selected first overall by the Timberwolves, and the Warriors missed their opportunity. Since then, Kerr has had the chance to work with Edwards during international competitions, further recognizing his growth as both a player and an individual.
Now, as the Timberwolves gear up for a playoff clash against the Warriors, Kerr finds himself preparing strategies to counter Edwards’ undeniable talent. The young guard’s journey is a testament to how feedback and challenges can alter a player’s trajectory, showcasing his determination and commitment to excellence.
The interplay of doubt and ambition has shaped Edwards into the player he is today. As he continues to grow on the court, he embodies the idea that every setback can lead to a comeback, and that motivation can stem from unexpected places. With the playoffs offering a platform to shine, Edwards is more than ready to display just how far he has come.
